There are a few things that every guy should have. Check that, there are lots of things every guy should have: money, the car of their dreams, one really incredible vacation with a story that can be told over and over without getting stale or boring (. . . yeah, what are the odds of the Brazilian volleyball team staying near my little hacienda? I’ve never had so much cachaca in my life. . . ), maybe some piece of immortality (successful child, footprints on the moon, an impressive first). But in the real world where such things are much harder to attain, there are a few items that aren’t extravagant or even superfluous, but I’d consider all of the necessities for a modern guy like me, and you. Some are things that will be used daily, others will get used sporadically, but if you don’t have them, you’ll be screwed and pissed about it.  Be Better Guys proposes the 5 accessories every man should own.

Sunglasses: This seems like a no brainer, but how many people buy some crappy green plastic lens “made in Taiwan” $10 special each summer, to lose at the lake, or on the boardwalk, or in the back of their uncle’s car after three months? Your eyes are one of the organs you most definitely don’t want to ruin and UV (ultra violet) light, direct sun, and various and sundry insects and debris flying into them can do that for you. These hazards are around every day, regardless of the season. Unless you live in a hovel, you’re outside for some time each day and can benefit from some eye protection. If you say, “I always lose them,” consider this: if they only cost $10 from some bodega, why would you give a frog’s fat ass about them being lost? Invest in a pair that fit your face (square face, round glasses). Consider a modern take on a true classic, the aviator. Check out the Ray Ban square-framed aviator, similar to what the Michael Western character on “Burn Notice” wears. Can’t guarantee Gabrielle Anwar comes with them, however.

Wallet: I remember my first wallet. It was from a “make your own” leather goods kit, in natural tan, with brown vinyl lacing. Made me feel like a man to have my own wallet to hold money, my ID (or whatever passed for ID at 12), and maybe a picture. Fast forward a few years and my wallet isn’t too much more complicated. I carry cash in my pocket (see the next item); I keep my ID (driver’s license or other ID card), credit/debit card, one credit card, and health care card. Do you need anything more? While I opt for a simple black or brown leather billfold (2-4 pockets, a clip for your money, one fold), no reason you can’t have something with more pizzazz, like the DB Clay Stampage Gray. The key is not to overload it with so much stuff you need a rubber band to hold it together. And it leaves a huge ring in the back of your pants. Not attractive.

Money clip: When someone picks your pocket, they pick the back pocket or the interior pocket of your jacket. With your cash in a money clip, it’s in your front pocket, much tougher to get to, and those pockets have a bit more space than the ones on your ass. Even if you get your pocket picked, credit cards can be cancelled; cash is gone forever. It keeps the line of your pants smooth with no unsightly bulges, and if you want, you could add a license and a credit card and do away with the wallet all together. There are a myriad of options, but I have two: a leather one with magnets to hold the money in place and a metal clip with a knife, scissors, and file on it. My favorite, however, might be the oversized paperclip that Tiffany and Co. (and other more reasonably priced manufacturers) makes.

Cuff links: In today’s world, a guy has to have at least one shirt with French cuffs, which means you need cuff links. It’s provides one of the few places where a bit a flash for men is acceptable. For a meeting, a cocktail party, a wedding, or or occasion, cuff links up the ante on the standard barrel cuff and can pull your whole look together. Hell, guys are wearing them to the office on a regular basis now days – guys without titles behind their names or in big corner offices. Cuff links come in all sorts of styles, materials and colors. But you don’t need several pair. You can really get by with one or two -- get gold or sliver, in a simple geometric shape that won’t detract from what you’re wearing. Throw in a couple of pair of silk knots, which provide color and cost about $7 a pair, and you’re set.

I’ve left out things like a handkerchief, your cellphone, or lip balm. The handkerchief is a basic part of your wardrobe; don’t leave home with out it. Cellphones . . . hell, my momma carries her cellphone and she hates the thing, so there you go. Lip balm? Well, try to remember because no one likes ashy lips. Otherwise, the things above will serve you well over the course of a year or a lifetime. Each will become indispensible and you’ll be better off for taking the time to incorporate them into you repertoire.